Constipation is a common disorder that affects several people globally. Constipation can be medically defined as the condition in which a person has fewer than three bowel movements per week or their bowel movements dry, hard, small, or difficult to pass. It is a common condition that affects people of all ages.
Olive oil for constipation, the unbeknownst remedy that can cure constipation and any other digestive related problems. People have switched from their regular oil to olive oil for its nutritional, health, and other medicinal properties. Additionally, research has linked its use to lowered rates of heart disease, cholesterol, obesity, and other debilitating conditions.
Is Olive Oil Good for Constipation?
It is imperative that we learn why olive oil is exceptional for the treatment of constipation and how it works in the body to combat constipation.
Release in more bile: Bile is a secretion that is secreted by the gallbladder, this secretion helps in the digestion of fats in the food and helps in accelerated digestion. Additionally, it also maintains the water content in the stool, hence allowing them to pass freely from the body. The secretion of bile is accelerated when olive oil is introduced to the body.
Reduced Dilation In the Intestine: When olive oil is consumed, it prevents the swelling, irritation, and bloating(1) of the intestine if any is present. This process subsequently helps in the relaxation of the intestine and promotes the smooth passage of the stool.
Stool Softening: Olive oil coats the fecal matter and is soaked into it, thereby helping in the softening of the stool and making it easy for the passage of the stool by the patient
[Also Read: Get Rid of Constipation Naturally]
How to Use Olive Oil for Constipation
As mentioned earlier, olive oil helps in the smooth and easy passage of the stools in the bowel. Olive oil is considered to be a safe and healthy way to get the stools moving and helps in relieving constipation over long term use.
For adults, one of the easiest and simplest ways would be to drinking olive oil for constipation on an empty stomach in the morning. It is noticed that this helps in alleviating constipation for many healthy adults.
However, it is to be noted that patients should not take more that one tablespoon as this could lead to unwarranted diarrhea and cramps.
Constipation is a common occurrence for people who are undergoing the process of dialysis, in a research paper published in 2015, it was found that olive oil was effective in alleviating the symptoms of constipation(2) in these patients. It was also noted that the people had taken 4 ml of olive oil per day.
The other way of consuming olive oil would be to around 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your orange juice. It is to be noted that you should consume this in the morning on an empty stomach to reap the maximum benefits of this remedy. It is also to be pointed out that the dosage for children is different; it is only 1/2 a tablespoon.
Additionally, you could also use olive oil as a salad dressing or as your staple oil for cooking. If constipation is frequent, you could consider drizzling it on salads, cooked vegetables, or eggs to increase the amount of olive oil in your diet.
[Also Read: Juices to Relieve Constipation ]
Olive Oil for Constipation for Children
Babies and children below the age of five who suffer from constipation should not be given olive oil at any cost as it could cause a differential reaction in the body.
Alternatively, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) one could administer a small amount of apple or pear juice, pureed prunes (for infants) and Karo syrup and other children in this age bracket may get relief with the inclusion of high-fiber foods such as prunes, apricots, syrup, and grain cereals.
For children above this age limit are also not allowed to have olive oil. However, this is not strict and depends on the physiology of the child. Hence, it is strongly recommended that you check with your doctor before administering olive oil to kids above 5 years.
Side Effects of Using Olive Oil for Constipation
In most cases, small doses of olive oil are well-tolerated by most patients. This could be attributed to the natural laxative properties of olive. However, it is to be noted that this effect is only seen in small quantities. In large amounts, olive oil may contribute to diarrhea.
Additionally, it is to be noted that olive oil has a lot of calories, even in a small serving. In the case of a single tablespoon, it nearly has 120 calories. Hence, if you are calorie conscious please do make sure to add olive oil.
Diabetic patients suffering from constipation are strongly recommended to consult with their primary health care physician before using olive oil for constipation, as olive oil is known to lower the blood sugar levels of the body.
Risk Factors
There are little to no risk factors for using olive oil for constipation. However, it has to be noted that dosage is of utmost importance; a little more could cause a severe impact on your body. It is also to be noted that olive oil isn’t a complacent replacement for treating constipation; it should be treated as adjuvant therapy and should be used alongside other remedies/treatments for the best results.
Constipation may seem like the end of the world and could cause havoc in your life. However, using this natural remedy, .i.e. Olive oil for constipation could make substantial changes in your life and help you cure and prevent constipation.
FAQs
1. What Helps Constipation Fast?
Some quick fixes and treatments can help induce bowel movements, and they include
- Take an osmotic
- Eat a serving of high-fiber food
- Use a stool softener
2. Can I Take a Teaspoon of Olive Oil Daily?
Reports suggest that having approximately 23 grams of olive oil daily helps cure ailments, including heart diseases.
3. What Foods Will Make You Poop Right Away?
Some of the foods that help you poop immediately include
- Prunes
- Kiwifruit
- Citrus Fruits
- Spinach etc.
